Segment:
Compact/Mid-size Sporty Car
Unique Selling Proposition:
Rotary Engine Technology, Stylish Coupe/Sedan/Wagon Body Styles
Competitors:
Datsun 240Z/260Z, Toyota Celica, Ford Capri, Triumph TR7
Engine Highlight:
Mazda's Wankel Rotary Engine offering smooth operation and high-revving capabilities
Design:
Modern (for its time) styling, available in various body styles
Value Proposition:
Essential for owners and mechanics aiming for accurate, factory-level servicing and repair of the unique rotary powertrain.
Coverage Scope:
All Models & All Repairs A-Z
Data Origin:
Dealership Technician Manual
Specificity:
Vehicle Specific
Information Type:
Maintenance, Service, Diagnosis, Repair
Type:
Factory Service Manual (FSM)
Powertrain:
Rotary Engine (12A), Fuel System, Ignition System, Cooling System, Lubrication System
Drivetrain:
Manual Transmission, Automatic Transmission (optional), Drive Axles, Clutch
Suspension:
Front Suspension (Independent), Rear Suspension (Live Axle), Steering System
Brakes:
Front Disc Brakes, Rear Drum Brakes, Hydraulic System, Parking Brake
Electrical:
Charging System, Starting System, Lighting System, Instrumentation, Wiring Diagrams, Fuses, Relays
Body:
Exterior Panels, Doors, Windows, Interior Trim, Seating
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement (Apex Seals), Lubrication Points
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Guides, Symptom-Based Diagnosis, Component Testing
Repair:
Engine Rebuild (Rotary Specifics), Transmission Overhaul, Brake System Repair, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Repair
Adjustments:
Carburetor Adjustment, Ignition Timing Adjustment, Clutch Adjustment, Brake Adjustment
Specifications:
Torque Values, Clearances, Fluid Capacities, Resistance Values
Depth:
Comprehensive Rebuild Procedures, Detailed Component Disassembly and Reassembly
Diagnostic Tools:
Specific diagnostic procedures and expected readings
Engine Type:
Mazda 12A Rotary Engine
Rotor Design:
Two-Rotor, Naturally Aspirated
Displacement Cc:
1146 cc (effective displacement)
Apex Seal Material:
Carbon-impregnated Seal Material (specific type detailed in manual)
Horsepower Gross Hp:
Approx. 110-125 hp (depending on emissions controls and specific market)
Torque Gross Lb Ft:
Approx. 125-135 lb-ft
Carburetion:
Two-Barrel Downdraft Carburetor (e.g., Hitachi or Nikki)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Octane rating specified in manual)
Ignition System:
Distributor-based, point-type ignition system (CDI system may be present on some variants)
Oil Type Recommendation:
Specific API Service SG or SH rated oils, viscosity grade detailed in manual (e.g., 10W-30, 10W-40)
Oil Metering:
Separate oil metering system for apex and side seals (details in manual)
Type:
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Type:
3-Speed Automatic Transmission
Clutch Type:
Dry Single Plate
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 Gear Oil, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 (specifics in manual)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron II or equivalent (specifics in manual)
Wheelbase Inches:
98.0 in (Coupe/Sedan), 104.3 in (Wagon)
Length Inches:
168.5 in (Coupe/Sedan), 175.6 in (Wagon)
Height Inches:
52.2 in (Coupe/Sedan), 54.5 in (Wagon)
Curb Weight Lbs:
Approx. 2200-2500 lbs (depending on body style and options)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr Lbs:
Specified in manual, typically around 3200-3400 lbs
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
4x114.3 mm (4x4.5 inches)
Standard Tire Size:
175 SR 13 or 185/70 SR 13 (specifics in manual)
Crash Test Data:
No official NHTSA ratings available for this era, but manual covers structural integrity and safety components.
Braking System:
Front Disc Brakes, Rear Drum Brakes
Steering Type:
Recirculating Ball
Seat Belts:
Standard three-point front seat belts
Construction:
Unitized Body Construction
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 miles or 3 months (typical for the era, manual provides specific guidance)
Tune Up Interval:
Every 12,000-15,000 miles or 12 months
Filter Replacement:
Air filter, fuel filter replaced as per schedule in manual
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Specific type and capacity in manual.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 Hydraulic Brake Fluid (specified in manual)
Power Steering Fluid:
If equipped, consult manual for specific type (typically ATF Dexron II or equivalent)
Rotary Apex Seals:
Wear of apex seals is a common concern; manual details inspection and replacement procedures.
Carburetor:
Carburetor tuning and maintenance, potential for gumming if not used regularly.
Oil Consumption:
Normal for rotary engines to consume a small amount of oil; manual clarifies normal vs. excessive consumption.
